Albirex defender Hayakawa fighting leukemia

NIIGATA – Albirex Niigata defender Fumiya Hayakawa is undergoing treatment for acute leukemia, the J. League first-division club said on Monday.

The 22-year-old Hayakawa was diagnosed with the disease after tests following an April 25 game against Nagoya Grampus. He played at the 2011 Under-17 World Cup for Japan, joining Niigata this season from Tsukuba University. He made his first career appearance on Feb. 27.

“I will fight this illness and hope to show everyone what I can do again,” Hayakawa said in a statement.